Quino El Guardian

The inspiration behind the Quino was the time spent with marine biologist groups on our sister ship, the Rocio Del Mar. Our experience with them was so incredibly impactful that we wanted more. We believe that that we make the world a better place one diver at a time.

The Quino gives divers the opportunity to visit magical destinations such as Socorro, the Sea of Cortez and the Baja Peninsula at a lower price without compromising the level of service and delicious food our guests have come to know on the Rocio Del Mar.

The Quino offers truly unique diving experiences including Citizen Science Expeditions, regular dive charters, as well as the availability for other unique private charters. We all carry the concience and awareness that while we are privledged to have experienced the wonders of the underwater world, we also carry the responsibility to protect it. That is why the Quino El Guardian is created. She was once a fishing vessel and was redesigned into a ship whose sole purpose is for scuba diving and scientific research.

Vessel: 
The vessel is 90 ft long with a 25 ft beam. The Quino comfortably accommodates 16 passengers with additional space for the group leaders with the crew.

Cabins:  
There are 5 cabins: 4 quad cabins and 1 cabin with 2 beds
4 Quad Cabins

• There are two bunks on each side equaling 4 beds, each with a privacy curtain
• Each cabin is outfitted with 4 large drawers, one for each guest
• Additional storage is available below the lower bunks
• The cabins are arranged by gender

1 Dual Cabin

• There are two bunks each with a privacy curtain 
• This cabin is typically reserved for a couple

Food: 
Each day you will enjoy a continental breakfast, full plated breakfast, plated lunch starting with a hot soup, afternoon snack, and a three course dinner including salad, entree and dessert. Hot and cold beverages are always available including canned soft drinks.  Complimentary beer and wine is available after your last dive of the day. Please let us know if you have any special dietary needs and we will do our utmost to accommodate you. 

Air Conditioning: 
There is air conditioning throughout all interior areas including the restrooms for everyone’s comfort. Each cabin has an individually operated air conditioner that can be adjusted by the occupants.

Bathrooms: 
There are 4 spacious, air conditioned bathrooms with a full size shower in each - each cabin is assigned a bathroom so guests can keep their toiletries, towels or personal items in the bathroom.

Galley:
Comfortably accommodates all 16 passengers with a projector and a drop-down screen for group presentation.

Salon: 
The salon is comfortable with sofas, a TV and a computer table

Dive Deck:  
Very large and well organized with gear storage for all your diving equipment

Camera Table:  
Spacious with under storage and multiple outlets

Dive Platform:  
Large platform with easy access to the inflatables with a warm water rinse shower

Compressors:
Two onboard compressors - Nitrox available at an additional charge of $120 USD per diver

Sundeck: 
Large shaded sundeck with lawn chairs, perfect for relaxing between dives

Inflatable Dive Boats: 
2 inflatable boats with drivers to get you to the dive spots and back to the boat. Both have very sturdy ladders for the safety and ease of our divers. Divers remove their weights and BCD's in the water and hand them to the boat driver prior to climbing the ladder

Towels: 
Bathroom and dive deck towels are provided.  Towels are changed during the trip and as requested.

Other:
The Quino El Guardian is of the utmost sea worthiness and is approved by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican Coast Guard. It is equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and all safety equipment required.

Sample Itinerary- Socorro
The Revillagigedo Islands (also Revillagigedo Archipelago) are a group of four volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique ecosystem. The islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species.  Socorro island is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography.

These islands are a spectacular magnet for the largest ocean pelagic animals in the world. Animals include schooling Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Dolphins, Silky Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, clouds of Jacks and Barracuda, Tuna, Wahoo, Oceanic White Tip Sharks, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.

This destination can only be dived by a liveaboard dive vessel. It lies 250 miles off Baja's southern shore and takes approximately 26 hours one-way to reach the islands. This is an excellent dive destination for large pelagics due to the open ocean nature of the islands, which sometimes include currents and choppy conditions. The underwater topography consists of rocky outcroppings, boulders and some incredible walls. There is not much in the way of coral as this is a cooler water destination.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Board the boat between 5pm-7pm the day of departure. After enjoying a wonderful dinner, relax on board the boat. The Quino departs just after midnight for Socorro and you arrive at San Benedicto in the morning giving you a full day of diving!
Day 2 – Day at Sea
Day 3 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled
Day 4 – Socorro, 3 dives scheduled (check in with Naval Station)
Day 5 – Socorro, 4 dives scheduled
Day 6 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 7 – Roca Partida, 3 dives scheduled
Day 8 – San Benedicto, 4 dives scheduled. At the end of this day we will start our departure to San Jose del Cabo
Day 9 – Arrive at San Jose del Cabo around 11pm. Guests may sleep on the boat.
Day 10 - Disembark by 8:30am

Sample Itinerary- Sea of Cortez
With clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, golden sandy beaches and inspiring vistas, the Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating, and exploring diverse marine creatures. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, whale sharks, jumping mobula rays, and sea lion colonies. Hike and explore remote uninhabited islets. Dine under the stars in a calm anchorage, socialize with your shipmates and make new friends. All in a day aboard Quino el Guardian, combined with personalized service to enhance your live aboard safety and fun. Dive into your dreams and see what Sea of Cortez diving is all about.

Itinerary
Day 1 - Embark at 5pm in Puerto Peñasco.  Depart at 6pm
Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island
Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove. Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions
Day 3 -  Angel Island
Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive
Day 4 - San Pedro Martir
Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove
Day 5 - San Pedro Martir
Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito. In afternoon we go looking for whales!
Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas
Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive
Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles
Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca.. Start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon
Day 8 - Disembark at 7am

JOIN THESE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPEDITIONS!

Ultrasound Pregnant Giants Mantas & Whale Sharks + Conservation Trips

Nov 20-29, 2022 - Socorro Dolphins with Dr. Fabio Favoretto and Dr. Erica Cardone - $3600
Join Dr. Alfredo Giron or Dr. Dení Ramírez Macías as she attempts to ultrasound pregnant whale sharks and manta rays in Socorro!

Whale sharks and giant manta rays are filter feeders.  So little is known about these incredible creatures and both species are especially vulnerable due to their common biological characteristics.  They are slow-growing, late to reach sexual maturity, and found in small populations.  All of this is why the IUCN Red List recognizes these species for the Conservation of Nature.

In the Archipielago de Revillagigedo, we can find giant manta rays and whale sharks that enable Dr. Dení Ramírez Macías and her team to study these charismatic giants. Their studies have focused on demonstrating the presence of pregnant females in both species showing that the Archipielago de Revillagigedo is a critical habitat and requires a top priority for its conservation.

The expedition will focus on obtaining an ultrasound in females of both species to corroborate that they are pregnant and to evaluate the degree of the embryonic development. This information will help to substantiate the theory that these waters are necessary for reproduction and to strengthen the protection of habitat for the conservation of the species. A second goal will be to place a satellite tag to see her movements.

This trip will utilize our regular itinerary for diving the islands of Socorro, San Benedicto and Roca Partida knowing that we will be open to using any opportunity that presents itself to ultrasound whale sharks and manta rays.
Deni will also be doing presentations throughout the trip. These presentations will include:

1. Following the Giants: Whale Sharks

2. Conservation Biology of the Whale Shark

3. The Giant Manta Rays from Revillagigedo

4. Ultrasound on Mobula Rays

5. I3S software for whale shark and giant manta ray photo identification

Sea of Cortez/Midriff Islands - Wander Women

To benefit Dive for a Cure for Breast Cancer

2023 - TBA

The Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lion colonies and see countless eels, octopus, fish and jumping mobula rays.  It's a macro photographers dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennys, dancing jawfish and sea horses.

Between dives, you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets and at night you can gaze at the Milky Way.  Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships aboard Quino el Guardian.  You will dine on incredible cuisine and enjoy the friendly service that has made us famous.

ITINERARY

This is the itinerary.  As always, we remain flexible depending on conditions, currents, etc.

Day 1 - Embark at 5pm in Puerto Peñasco.  Depart at 6pm

Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island

Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove

Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions

Day 3 -  Angel Island

Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive

Day 4 - San Pedro Martir

Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove

Day 5 - San Pedro Martir

Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito

In the afternoon we go looking for whales!

Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas

Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive

Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles

Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca.

Start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon

Day 8 - Disembark at 7am

Sea of Cortez/Midriff Islands
Family Trip - 2023 - please enquire
Dive, snorkel, kayak and hike on this special trip just for family aboard Quino el Guardian. It will be just like going to summer camp but for the whole family! Did you know you can fly to Phoenix and within 4 hours be boarding a boat to one of the most remote places in the world? A world with no planes, very few boats, clear skies and amazing sunsets with clear, deep waters, abundant sea life, and golden sandy beaches.
The Sea of Cortez - known as the Gulf of California - is a breathtaking destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploration. Legendary diver Jacques Cousteau described the Sea of Cortez as the "world's aquarium". Dive on untouched walls and reefs abounding in marine life. Encounter large and small whale species and dolphins, snorkel with whale sharks, dive with playful sea lions and see countless eels, octopus, fish and jumping mobula rays. It's a macro photographers dream with nudibranchs, colorful blennys, dancing jawfish and sea horses.
Between dives you can hike and explore remote uninhabited islets and at night you can gaze at the Milky Way.  Give us one week and we will help you create a lifetime of memories while forging new friendships aboard Quino el Guardian.  You will dine on incredible food and enjoy the friendly service that has made us famous. 

ITINERARY: As always, we remain flexible depending on conditions, currents, etc.
Day 1 - Embark at 5pm in Puerto Peñasco.  Depart at 6pm
Day 2 - Wake up at Refugio Bay on Angel Island - Potential Dive sites: Angel Rock, La Vela, Lolo’s Cove. Sunset Zodiak Cruise with Sea Lions.
Day 3 -  Angel Island - Potential Dive sites: Andrea’s Eagle, El Aquario, Las Vivoras, Las Vivoras including a night dive.
Day 4 - San Pedro Martir - Potential Dive sites: El Arroyo, Punta Martir (Sea Lions), Chayo’s Cove.
Day 5 - San Pedro Martir - Potential Dive sites: Ravijunco, Xareni’s Pinnacle, Coromel, Morrito. In afternoon we go looking for whales!
Day 6 - Salsipuedes & Animas - Potential Dive sites: Los Cuervos, El Caballo, In Animas, El Lavadero, El Lavadero including a night dive.
Day 7 - Baja and Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles. Potential Dive sites: El Pescador, Baja Ca. Start heading back to Puerto Penasco in afternoon.
Day 8 - Disembark at 7am - Prices include all taxes and port fees

THE PROGRAM

Heroes del Mar will give the children of Baja’s fishing communities the opportunity to work together with scientists, eco-tourism experts and business leaders. We will expose them to alternative economic opportunities while teaching them respect for marine life and their natural resources.

We are creating a program that, over the course of three years, will provide children ages 13-17, the opportunity to work side-by-side with scientists, eco-tourism experts and business leaders to learn about science and marine biology, marine sustainability, eco-tourism and business opportunities to help support their local communities. And, for those would want to spread their wings beyond their villages, our goal is to give them the tools and self-confidence to do so. To learn more and donate to this very worth cause, click HERE